It seems people may be feeling a little lonely during lock down as the RSPCA animal adoptions and foster inquiries have surged significantly over since the isolation implementations.
The Guardian reported that in the past two weeks, there have been 500 pets adopted, up 28 per cent from the same time last year.
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The RSPCA says they have been “inundated with enquiries from people wanting to help, and while we are very grateful for all your support, we are not currently in a position to process new foster applications for our Burwood or Peninsula shelters.”
Applications for fostering animals are anticipated to be suspended until 1 May, as the process requires in person contact and training.
For those who do have companion animals, getting a hold of supplies is still fairly easy with options like no contact delivery.
Owner of Jumbo Animal Supplies Nectarios Petridis has had to heavily reduce operating hours to ensure the safety of employees but had noticed a slight bump in the way people are buying.
“Although there hasn’t been an increase in sales in particular, people are buying products in more bulk quantities to have a supply of pet food,” says Nectarios.
There have also been worries due to misinformation on social media that COVID-19 can be contracted from animals.
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A statement from the RSPCA says, “There is currently no evidence that companion animals play a role in the spread of the human novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 or that they become sick if they are exposed to the virus (SARS-CoV-2).”